Particles in Solids, Liquids and Gases – Lesson Summary

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Learning Objective

In this lesson we will learn how the energy, arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases determines their different properties.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson you will be able to:

  • Describe the particle model of matter.
  • Describe the energy, arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases.
  • Use the particle model to explain the properties of solids, liquids and gases.

 
particles in solids liquids and gases lesson contents

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Lesson Topics

1 | The Particle Model

2 | Particles in Solids

3 | Particles in Liquids

4 | Particles in Gases

5 | How the Particle Model Explains the Properties of Solids

6 | How the Particle Model Explains the Properties of Liquids

7 | How the Particle Model Explains the Properties of Gases

8 | Summary

Lesson Summary

  • The particle model describes the energy, arrangement and movement of particles in solids, liquids and gases.
  • Particles in solids:
  • ▸ Have low kinetic energy.
  • ▸ Are very strongly attracted to each other.
  • ▸ Are closely packed, in a fixed arrangement.
  • ▸ Move by vibrating.
  • Particles in liquids:
  • ▸ Have medium kinetic energy.
  • ▸ Are strongly attracted to each other.
  • ▸ Are closely packed, in a free arrangement.
  • ▸ Move by sliding past one another.
  • Particles in gases:
  • ▸ Have high kinetic energy.
  • ▸ Are not attracted to each other.
  • ▸ Are spaced far apart, in a free arrangement.
  • ▸ Move in all directions.
  • The particle model accounts for the different properties of solids, liquids and gases, such as shape, compressibility and density.

 
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